Community Corner
Grey Seal Pup, Found Entangled, Now Ready For Release In Hampton Bays
Whopper was found entangled on the beach in Southampton, rescuers say — and he's now ready to go home. "This is the best part of our job."
HAMPTON BAYS, NY — Whopper, a male gray seal pup who was found entangled on the beach in Southampton in May, was set for his release in Hampton Bays Wednesday.
Maxine Montello, rescue program director for the NY Marine Rescue Center, said that Whopper was found entangled on May 7 at Coopers Beach. His release will take place Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Tiana Beach in Hampton Beach.
Whopper is about 4 to 6 months old, she said. "He's all healed, and has gotten the clear to go ahead," she said.
Find out what's happening in Westhampton-Hampton Baysfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The NYMRC's theme for naming seals this year is candy, so that's why he was given the moniker Whopper, she added.
Seeing the seals released is deeply rewarding, Montello said.
Find out what's happening in Westhampton-Hampton Baysfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"This is the best part of our job," she said. "We aim to give these animals a second chance — to be able to release them back home. We're not trying to keep them for aquariums or private settings. Instead, we're giving them what they need to try it all over again."
Most strandings are the result of human-related issues such as entanglement in fishing gear, Montello said. "We're focusing on ways to decrease these interactions."
She added: "It's so rewarding to get them back home."
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
